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Graphic celebrating Habitat Month with dark blue outlines of sea grass, a school of fish, and a bird
Graphic celebrating Habitat Month with dark blue outlines of sea grass, a school of fish, and a bird
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Science & Data

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Science & Data

NOAA Fisheries' science-based conservation and management of sustainable fisheries, marine mammals, endangered species, and their habitats have become global models for marine stewardship and sustainability.

Our research surveys provide data critical to the stewardship of our nation's ocean resources and their habitat. For 150 years, our scientists and partners have collected survey data to understand current and changing ocean conditions and monitor marine life. The insights we gain are the heart of our science-based conservation and management. 

Effective science-based conservation and management are essential to ensuring sustainable domestic seafood production, maintaining and enhancing fishing opportunities, recovering protected species, and safeguarding ecosystem health.

More Research Topics

Acoustics Age and Growth Climate Ocean Acidification Research and Data

More Information

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Featured News

First International Cooperative Research Gathering with Scotland a Smashing Success

First-ever international cooperative research gathering featured vessel and industry tours and roundtable discussions. Conversations about trust, knowledge sharing, and common goals highlight why cooperative research is a key asset for the future.
July 16, 2026 - Feature Story ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Several people posing for a group photo in front of a series of docked commercial fishing vessels. Sixteen members of the Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation, members of the commercial fishing industry, and scientists visited Point Judith, Rhode Island, as part of a cooperative research gathering. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Heather Soulen

West Coast Gray Whale Estimate Shows Increase, New Count Determines

The reasons for the apparent increase remain an open question.
July 15, 2026 - Feature Story ,
West Coast
An aerial view of four gray whales swimming through clear blue ocean water. Gray whales migrating south past the Granite Station field site recorded via Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) or drone. This photograph will be used to calibrate group size and measure body condition. Photo collected under NMFS research permit 22306 and NMS permit MULTI-2024-003-A1.

Shedding New Light on Yukon River Chinook Salmon Declines

NOAA scientists pinpoint increased juvenile-to-adult mortality connected to recent heatwaves as a major factor in recent Chinook salmon declines on the Yukon River.
July 07, 2026 - Feature Story ,
Alaska
Close-up photo of a large gray-colored Chinook salmon is held in a fisherman's hands, mouth wide open A recreational fisherman holds a Chinook salmon in the Canadian Yukon. Credit: Adobe Stock
More News

Science Blogs

Take Nothing But Pictures: Spying on Georges Bank’s Scallops

Field Fresh Blog: Science in Motion

Communications Specialist Kristen Jabanoski returns to her science roots while capturing the secrets of the seafloor during the 2026 HabCam Survey.
July 06, 2026 - Survey ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
Female scientist wearing a life jacket on the back of a ship beside a large metal sled with cameras and sensors attached. Communications specialist Kristen Jabanoski with the HabCam, a towed camera sled system to collect images of the sea floor. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/ Megan Amico

Those Who Go to Sea

Field Fresh Blog: Science in Motion

What draws people to the ocean and fishing? Field scientist Hannah Ciarametaro asked the captain and crew of the F/V Miss Trish II that very question. Their stories touch on duty, pride, peace, money, and the toll it takes on them and their families.
July 06, 2026 - Survey ,
New England/Mid-Atlantic
 Three fishermen wearing hats and foul weather gear stand on the back deck of a commercial fishing vessel at sea tending to a trawl net. Crew of the F/V Miss Trish II at sea. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Hannah Ciarametaro

Diving Deep into Sperm Whale Clicks

Evaluating Impacts of Multiple Stressors on Gulf Whales and Dolphins

What sperm whale sounds tell us about their population demographics in the Gulf of America.
June 12, 2026 - Survey ,
Southeast
Aerial view of a single, sleek gray-colored whale at the surface of bright blue water. Sperm whale photographed by the drone during the June–August 2025 survey in the northern Gulf of America that can be used to estimate body length. Credit: NOAA Fisheries/Melissa Cook (Permit #25867)
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